PHILADELPHIA – You’ve heard people talk about how certain players live at the ballpark, a reference to their work ethic.

In the case of some of the rehabbing Mets, though, you can take the phrase literally.

With Hurricane Frances storming into St. Lucie – within a few miles of the Florida coast – several of the injured Mets will take refuge in the clubhouse of the team’s Port St. Lucie complex. Essentially, the spring training/minor league facility is serving as a makeshift shelter.

The biggest name who will be huddled at the facility is Kaz Matsui, down there rehabbing his ailing back. Matsui’s wife, Mio, and interpreter, Noz Matsumoto, also will stay in the complex, as will rehabbing reliever Scott Strickland and others.

Several of the Mets rehabbing in St. Lucie, such as Jose Reyes and Victor Zambrano, opted to fly north and escape the storm, but Matsui curiously stayed there. Quipped Art Howe, “Maybe it’s his first hurricane.”

Actually, Howe appeared to question the fact that Matsui wasn’t with the team in Philly, saying, “Yeah, you always want a guy to be around the troops and be part of the team.”

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Mike Cameron (viral infection) missed his sixth straight game last night, but should join the team in Philly today. Still, he may not be available to play this weekend, however. . . . Kris Benson, who missed his start last night, long-tossed Thursday and will throw in the bullpen today. He’s slated to start next Thursday.

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After hearing the news that Ugueth Urbina’s mother was kidnapped in Venezuela, fellow countryman Richard Hidalgo has told his family – he has three brothers and his stepfather in the country – to be careful. “They have to,” Hidalgo said. “It’s unbelievable.”